'Elite' Tovar earns Jeter comparisons from Estrada

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies' second baseman Thairo Estrada started his pro career as a Yankees prospect in 2013 -- with Hall of Famer Derek Jeter still playing and offering mentorship. "Every time I have the chance to give him credit, give a shout-out, I will do it," Estrada said.

So Estrada, who joined the Rockies this winter on a one-year deal with a 2026 mutual option, knows a standout and influential shortstop when he sees one. Estrada sees Rockies' shortstop Ezequiel Tovar displaying Jeteresque qualities.

¡°It¡¯s the consistency,¡± Estrada said, with Edwin Perez interpreting. ¡°At that position, to be able to play on a constant basis is very hard. You have to be able to field the ball, you have to be able to make the right throw. He does every little thing right.

¡°That¡¯s the thing that mirrors what Derek Jeter did. We¡¯re watching a player that will be elite for years to come.¡±

Tovar is coming off his first National League Gold Glove Award. Estrada played with the Yankees (2019-20) and the Giants (2021-24, with standout shortstop Brandon Crawford encouraging him). Tovar and Estrada are likely the middle infield engines for one of the Majors' best defenses.

The club has struggled in recent years, but the defense is seen as legitimate. Tovar and Estrada join center fielder Brenton Doyle, a two-time Gold Glover, third baseman Ryan McMahon, a four-time Gold Glove finalist, and first baseman Michael Toglia, who is beginning to receive respect from opponents.

Tovar debuted in late 2022 alongside second baseman Brendan Rodgers, who earned a Gold Glove that year, so he knows the importance of a solid partner. Estrada was signed partly because of his elite range on grounders and a strong arm for his position.

"It feels natural to work with him," Tovar said, also through Perez. "Our job is to make our lives easier for each other, put the ball in the right place ¨C simple things like that. We're just trying to get our chemistry there. I'm trying to get to know him a little more. It's been great to work with him, kind of natural."

Some aspects of the partnership should make chemistry easier to come by. Both are from Maracay, Venezuela. They can communicate in nuanced Spanish, which helps but isn't the be-all and end-all since both have had success with English-speaking middle infielders. They also mesh, personality-wise.

¡°They¡¯re both by nature a little quiet, but they¡¯re both intense,¡± Rockies manager Bud Black said. ¡°They both understand the importance of practice, and you know how I feel about that.

¡°Both those guys understand what¡¯s potentially ahead of them as far as that double-play combination.¡±

But because of an age difference, Tovar (23) and Estrada (29) have had friendly communications on the field as opponents but did not know each other previously. Tovar reached out via text after Estrada reached his contract agreement with the Rockies. They began working together when they arrived in Scottsdale and talked at adjacent lockers.

Estrada¡¯s arm caught Tovar¡¯s eye.

¡°When I saw him practicing, I told him, ¡®I see that you throw the ball hard, so I have to have it in my mind to be ready for when you throw it hard,¡¯¡± Tovar said.

Black said he and third-base coach and infield instructor Warren Schaeffer have to monitor that Estrada's throws are "handle-able," but likes that he gives his shortstop the ball quickly so he can pivot and not have the runner too close.

Estrada has a unique look at Tovar's smoothness -- a trait that the Rockies have raved about even from Tovar's Minor League days.

¡°He does all the little things well but he also does the extraordinary well,¡± Estrada said. ¡°He has the confidence to make those extraordinary plays, so to be able to share the field with someone like that, it¡¯s special.¡±